Are Spider Veins Preventable?

Spider veins are a cosmetic defect that rarely poses a health risk. Unfortunately, these superficial leg veins can be unsightly and can rob you of your confidence, forcing you to cover up when you’d rather wear the latest style mini-dress or swimsuit. Although you can’t completely avoid getting spider veins, there are several proactive steps you can take to reduce your chance of dealing with them in the future.

What Are Spider Veins?

Spider veins, also called telangiectasia, are webs or red, blue, or purple veins that usually appear on the legs. The veins are visible because they are near the surface of the skin, usually on the back of the knees, but they can occur anywhere. One study found that 84 percent of 1,566 test subjects had spider veins somewhere on their right leg.

What Causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins occur when pressure on tiny veins forces them to collapse and trap small amounts of blood that become visible through the skin. Unlike varicose veins, which are much deeper and larger and can cause pain, spider veins rarely cause any kind of problem.

How Can You Reduce Your Chances of Developing Spider Veins?

No one can completely avoid getting spider veins, but you can try the following suggestions to lower your risk:

Wear Support Garments—If you work in a profession that keeps you standing, wear lightweight compression stockings to reduce leg swelling. Check your local pharmacy for compression stockings that feature 15 to 30 milliliters of mercury, a measurement of vein pressure. If you already have many spider veins, see a doctor who will assess your unique case and ensure you’re wearing the best compression garments for your needs.

Prop Up—Take the pressure off your legs when you get a chance to reduce spider veins. Elevate your legs above your heart for optimal benefits.

Wear Sunblock—People with light skin have a higher risk of developing spider veins on their noses and cheeks. Wear sunscreen every day to block harmful UV light.

Treat Varicose Veins—If you have varicose veins, the increased pressure in your legs is likely to cause spider veins to appear. Proper treatment of varicose veins that reduces this unwanted pressure can reduce your chances of getting spider veins.

How Can I Treat Spider Veins?

There are two effective treatments for removing spider veins. These include:

Sclerotherapy—The most common treatment for spider veins, this technique requires injection of a solution into the veins that disrupts blood flow, causing the veins to collapse. The procedure turns the veins into scars that fade several weeks after treatment.

Laser Treatment—The light from a laser destroys the spider veins. Results can be visible immediately. Laser treatment is best for tiny red spider veins.